A 19-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to preparing an act of terrorism.

Alfie Coleman was charged as part of an investigation relating to “extreme right-wing terrorism”, Scotland Yard said.

The teenager, of Tailors Close in Braintree, Essex, pleaded not guilty at a hearing at the Old Bailey on Monday to a single count of preparing an act of terrorism on 29 September 2023.

Coleman admitted 10 offences of possessing terrorist material on the same date.

Books Coleman allegedly had in his possession included Anarchists Cookbook version 2000, Knife Fighting Techniques from Folsom Prison and White Resistance Manual, the court heard.

He also pleaded guilty to attempting to possess a prohibited firearm which had a barrel of less than 30cm in length, as well as 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition without holding a firearm certificate.

Coleman, wearing a grey fleece, spoke to confirm his name via video link from HMP Bullingdon and was remanded back into custody by Judge Mark Lucraft KC.

A trial has been scheduled for 21 October at the Old Bailey, which is expected to last for four weeks.

ITV News

Vincent Charlton can be named after reporting restrictions were lifted following a BBC application

Vincent Charlton, 17, from Birtley, Gateshead, can be publicly named after reporting restrictions were lifted following an application by the BBC.

At Newcastle Crown Court he was sentenced to two years and four months in prison.

Judge Adams said there was a “significant risk of him causing serious harm”.

Charlton pleaded guilty in 2023 to disseminating terrorist publications, four counts of possessing documents useful to a terrorist, and making and possessing indecent images of children.

Warning – this article contains distressing content

Angus MacDonald, prosecuting, said Charlton’s mobile phone contained videos of a 13-year-old girl in the US, and messages between them “demonstrate the control Vincent exerted over a vulnerable young child which caused her to harm herself and send images of that harm to him.”

Other indecent images he possessed included videos of very young children being raped and sexually abused.

Bomb-making manuals

When initially released on bail, after first being arrested in May, he broke his conditions by accessing social media hundreds of times, including looking at accounts of children and trying to contact one, and separately messaging a girl and inciting her to self-harm.

There was evidence that Charlton was a member of a Telegram group associated with the “764” cult, which promotes murder, sexual abuse, self-harm, and terrorism. It is currently the subject of police investigations in several countries.

In one online channel Charlton uploaded 939 documents, including bomb-making manuals.

When asked by another user if he was going to “blow up a school”, Charlton responded by saying “of course”, and then shared a guide on how to build a pipe bomb and another on assassination techniques.

‘Massively grown up’

The judge said Charlton had promoted the Nazi Satanist group Order of the Nine Angles, which the court heard seeks a supernatural “Satanic empire” to end modern civilisation and encourages crime, rape, and the idea that murder is the ultimate goal.

The group is connected to the banned terrorist groups National Action, Sonnenkrieg Division and Atomwaffen Division, the court was told.

Expert reports said Charlton had an interest in “gore” from the age of 12, as well as websites fixated on “real death” and graphic violence.

Toby Hedworth KC, defending, submitted that Charlton was different to the person who went into custody. The court heard he has been assessed as autistic.

His mother gave evidence and said her son “has massively grown up” in prison and demonstrated “impeccable behaviour” there.

Charlton was also sentenced to an extended licence period of one year after being released.

BBC News

A student who wrote and shared a guide on using bombs, guns and poisons has been detained for 13 years in a young offenders’ institute.

Jacob Graham, now 20, was motivated by a hatred of government and by “ecological concerns”, a jury heard.

The Liverpool student had been found guilty of preparing terrorist acts by providing assistance to others.

He was cleared of planning an attack but convicted of possessing and sharing terrorist material.

On Monday High Court judge Mr Justice Goose told Graham he was a “dangerous young man” who had fantasised about launching a bombing campaign which resulted in “at least 50 deceased”.

Justice Goose, passing sentence at Manchester Crown Court, said Graham had clear “terrorist intention” when he shared detailed guides on building explosives and guns derived from a vast “digital library” of material he had gathered online.

Graham, who wore a grey t-shirt and black spectacles, showed no visible emotion as the sentence was passed, while a woman in the public gallery of the courtroom could be heard sobbing.

The jury heard between May 2022 and May 2023, Graham created and disseminated a document, which contained instructions on building nail-bombs, shotguns, as well as tips on evading police.

Jacob Graham claimed he had a “strange hobby” and his activities were merely “escapism and fantasy”

That document was addressed to in Graham’s words: “All you misfits, social nobodies, anarchists, terrorist (Future and Present) and anyone who wants to fight for freedom.”

Justice Goose said although the jury had acquitted him of planning a terrorist act, in another document Graham talked about his wish to conduct a bombing campaign.

The letter added he estimated it would take three to five years for his plan to be achieved.
‘Unusually stable’

Justice Goose said Graham had claimed he had a “strange hobby” and his activities were merely “escapism and fantasy”.

However he told him: “There is significant risk to members of the public of serious harm by you committing serious, specified terrorist offences.”

Graham was sentenced to 13 years in a young offenders’ institution, with an extended licence period of five years.

Alistair Richardson, prosecuting, said a psychological report described Graham as of “above average intelligence”, and said he “saw himself as a leader capable of influencing others”.

The report’s author, Dr Harry Wood, also described Graham as “unusually stable” while in custody, and said he came across as “nonchalant and blasé”.

Frida Hussain, KC, defending Graham, said he had been going through a “difficult” time and was very young at the time of the offences.

She told the court there were no “clearly defined ideology or political motivation” in Graham’s case and no specific plans to kill people.

Ms Hussain said Graham had been diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from “violent and distressing incidents he witnessed as a child and young adult”.

Ms Hussain said his mental health was also impacted by the Covid lockdowns.

She said: “All of this offending took place at times when he was isolated within the home within his bedroom.”

Officers from Counter Terrorism Policing North West (CTPNW) raided the house where he lived with his mum and sister, in Norris Green, and arrested Graham on 26 May 2023.

Inside the property officers found a significant quantity of chemicals, which could be used as ingredients in various explosive mixtures, the jury were told.

Det Supt Andy Meeks, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, told the BBC: “It is of course extremely worrying that people can commit these types of serious offences from the comfort of their own home, from their own bedroom.”

After a five week trial, Graham was convicted of one count of the preparation of terrorist acts by assisting others, four counts of possession of information for terrorist purposes and two of dissemination of a terrorist publication.

Graham was also ordered to keep the police informed of his whereabouts for 30 years as part of the terms of a Serious Crime Prevention Order (SCPO).

BBC News

Police van was torched and fireworks, rocks, glass bottles and concrete slab were thrown at officers after disorder outside hotel

Thomas Mills, 47

These are the faces of seven men who have been locked up over violent scenes outside the Suites Hotel.

The disturbance on February 10 last year came after a video which allegedly showed an asylum seeker, who was being housed at the site in Kirkby, “asking a 15-year-old girl for her phone number and a kiss” was circulated on social media, leading to what a judge described as a “grotesquely distorted and false narrative” about people in the hotel. An initially peaceful protest resulted in a police van being torched and fireworks, rocks, glass bottles and a concrete slab being thrown at officers.

Paul Lafferty, Jonjo O’Donoghue, Brian McPadden and Thomas Mills were found guilty of violent disorder following a trial at Liverpool Crown Court in relation to their involvement in the incident. Harry Boynton, Warren Cullen, Liam Jones, Christopher Shelley and John Tippler admitted the same charge.

And seven of them were imprisoned for a combined 18 years and three months today, Monday. Cullen, aged 20 and of James Holt Avenue in Kirkby, was handed 20 months while 25-year-old Jones, of Birkin Close in Kirkby, was imprisoned for 27 months.

Warren Cullen

Lafferty, aged 42 and of Quarry Green in Kirkby, received two years and eight months. Twenty-one-year-old O’Donoghue, of Stanley Street in Liverpool city centre, was jailed for three-and-a-half years.

Sixty-one-year-old “self appointed frontman” McPadden, of Britonside Avenue in Kirkby, was locked up for three-and-a-half years. Groans were heard in the public gallery as the 61-year-old’s sentence was announced.

Mills, aged 47 and of Park Brow Drive in Kirkby, received a sentence of two years and eight months. Appearing via video link from HMP Liverpool, he hung his head as his jail term was announced while his partner sat crying.

Tippler, aged 59 and of St Kevin’s Drive in Kirkby, was given two years imprisonment. Forty-four-year-old Shelley, of Delfby Crescent in Kirkby, will be sentenced at a later date after failing to attend court.

John Tippler

Twenty-year-old Boynton, of Shirdley Walk in Kirkby, was handed a 16-month imprisonment suspended for two years with 200 hours of unpaid work, a rehabilitation activity requirement of up to 40 days and a three-month electronically monitored curfew from 8pm to 5.30am. Cheers were heard from his supporters as he was told he would be allowed to walk free from court, while his mum burst into tears.

Sentencing, Judge Denis Watson KC said: “Without a single piece of evidence to support it, a grotesquely distorted and false narrative gained traction. That all of those housed at the hotel were rapists and the police were protecting sex offenders and so were just as bad as sex offenders.

“Some wanted to protest loudly, but not violently. However, a substantial number were there to indulge in threats, abuse and violence. There followed some four hours of widespread and serious public disorder.

“Many began to act aggressively and violently. The 40 or 50 police officers present were in danger of being overwhelmed by what had become an angry and violent mob.

“This was sustained and extremely hostile mob violence towards asylum seekers and the police, which involved petrol bombs, numerous fireworks and dangerous missiles. It resulted in three officers being injured.

“Parts of major roads such as the M57 motorway had to be closed for several hours. There was serious disruption to the community.

“Only the resilience and determination of police officers prevented the mob from being able to enter the hotel where the asylum seekers were housed. The events of that evening brought shame to the town of Kirkby and to Merseyside generally.”

Jonjo O’Donoghue

One man was removed from the courtroom by a police officer after being heard to say: “I’ve never heard as many lies in the court in my life. Liar, chatting s***.”

Another woman walked out at one stage saying: “F***ing lies. It’s all lies.”

Martyn Walsh, prosecuting, told the same court on Friday that Merseyside Police had received reports “which stated that members of the English Defence League were going to attend” the hotel on Ribblers Lane, which was “housing refugees and immigrants”, and that initially peaceful protests had turned violent after a line of police were forced backwards as members of the crowd threw glass bottles. Officers clad in protective equipment were said to have been “faced with hostility and violence” and “bombarded with missiles” including fireworks and rocks, with one being injured by a concrete slab.

A police carrier was then set alight and burnt out, causing £83,686 of damage. Several other PCs also suffered injuries during the incident.

Mr Walsh described how video footage showed a hooded Boynton using a tool to smash the windscreen of the vehicle which was later set on fire. The dad to a three-year-old daughter was then seen spray painting the front of the van, and later admitted under interview that he had taken a metal bar from inside and chanted “go home”.

Paul Becker, defending, said on his behalf: “He has been waiting to learn his fate for nine months. He must be terrified of losing his liberty.

“He was 19 when he offended. He has expressed regret and embarrassment, and your honour will bear in mind that he has no previous convictions.”

Cullen meanwhile was “clearly seen throwing missiles at the police cordon”, including a bottle and sticks. He also made attempts to “remove a large concrete post from the ground with another male”.

His counsel Jonathan Duffy said: “He was still a young man, he recognises what he did was wrong and he regrets it. He has been in no trouble since.

“He lost his father aged 14 and had a significant health problem, but despite those difficulties he admits he should not have become involved. For large parts of that time he was just a bystander, but as time moved on he found himself caught up in it and joining in with others.”

Jones was said to have “confronted officers” at a cordon, “shouting and acting aggressively”. He was then filmed picking up an item from the floor and hurling it towards the police.

Liam Jones

Daniel Travers, defending, told the court: “The only time he threw anything was when he was pushed by an officer, causing him to fall backwards. He picked up an object, maybe a bag, that he throws – that is the only occasion he throws anything.

“He left school, went to college and then worked abroad for a year before serving in the army for five years. He has significant issues with his mental health.

“He has the support of his partner and has a three-year-old daughter. In my submission, he has a good chance of rehabilitation.”

Lafferty, who has a previous conviction for manslaughter from 1999, was meanwhile said to have thrown an object towards officers and shouted: “You f***ing bullies. You are provoking the violence.”

Paul Lafferty

Matthew O’Neill, appearing on his behalf, said: “He accepts the findings of the court. It is arguable that, until he picks up an object, that he was acting lawfully and was protesting to the police about what he thought were overaggressive tactics from the police.

“Very sadly, he made the foolish decision to pick up an object and throw it towards the police. It has landed him here today, with a very real risk of losing his liberty.”

McPadden was shown on the video “waving his arms” and shouting “they’re kids” and “we’ll be here every day”. He was then seen pointing at the hotel while saying: “We protect our own.

“You are not from Kirkby. These are t***s.

“They’re hiding behind the f***ing curtains watching us now. Cheeky b******s.

“How do you have the audacity to support them? They better not leave that place in the next few days, or they will be dead.”

Brian McPadden

Stella Hayden, defending McPadden, said: “There is no evidence of him encouraging others to attend. He was vocal at the scene and used unpleasant language.

“It is right to say that, at the end, he comes to the fore and he can be heard expressing his opinion, but he was not alone in approaching the cordon. He was plainly an active participant but he didn’t use violence, carry a weapon, cause any damage or throw a missile.

“He has a lack of relevant or recent convictions. He was last before the court in 1980, and I urge the court that his actions can properly be seen as out of character.

“He is a father of four children and is also a grandfather. He has a significant back condition that impacts his day to day life.”

Mills meanwhile could be seen striking the police carrier with a banner, which read “let’s shout get them out” before climbing on top of the van and holding the sign aloft. His representative William Beardmore said: “Mr Mills has had epilepsy for some time.

“The prospect of imprisonment has had a significant impact on him. In conference, he broke down and cried at those prospects.

“He wonders what will happen if he has a seizure locked in a cell on his own. He is responsible for being where he is, but it has had a heavy weight on his mind and has been a punishment in itself.

“The violence of others was going on before Mr Mills climbed on top of the van. To suggest he played an important role is wrong.”

O’Donoghue, whose previous convictions include conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine, was shown lighting fireworks and throwing them towards officers carrying riot shields alongside Jared Skeete – who was given three years in a young offenders’ institute in April last year after the then 19-year-old, of Irwell Close in Aigburth, pleaded guilty to violent disorder. Anthony O’Donohoe, defending, said: “What he did was reckless and potentially dangerous, but it is very different to a petrol bomb.

“The defendant is at a stage of his life where there are two tectonic plates colliding. On one hand, he is to be sentenced for a serious offence.

“On the other, he is making significant progress. He spent some time in care and left care as a teenager.

“For the past two years, despite issues with homelessness, he has remained offence free. He now has accommodation.

“He has now also gained employment, and is spoken of very highly. There is a different side than the man who acted so recklessly that night.”

A warrant was issued for Shelley’s arrest after he failed to attend court last week. He was heard shouting on the night in question: “We are going to burn that hotel to the ground and smash their f***ing heads in.

“My name is Chris Shelley, and I don’t give a f***. Let’s f***ing have it, f***ing d*******s.

“S***house c***s. Let’s f***ing have it.

“I’ve been waiting 20 years for this. Rapist b******s.

“First person you grab, it’s going off. We’re waiting for yous.

“I’ll take you out. Yous have a s*** firm.

“That dog, let it off, I’ll kick its head in.

“ISIS rapists. I’ll do 20 years in Walton, I’m not a***d.”

Tippler meanwhile was recorded pushing officers and throwing a punch. He also shouted: “There is no black on the Union Jack, send the f****ers back.”

The grandad was then seen holding a riot shield, taken from the police carrier, which he claimed he had “bought for 20p” before returning the item. Tippler’s counsel Paul Wood told the court: “He says how sorry and ashamed he is.

“He knows he has brought shame on his large and supportive family. He has three grown up children and nine grandchildren, and his behaviour has caused them great embarrassment.

“The defendant is in poor health with a wide variety of medical problems for which he is heavily medicated. He has issues with his mental health.

“He has a very good working history and had to give up a job working as a porter for the army because of his ill health. If he receives immediate custody, that would have an adverse effect and the loss of the family home.”

Merseyside Police’s Detective Chief Inspector John Fitzgerald said following today’s sentencing: “I hope this result shows that anyone who causes violence and disorder in our community and threatens or harms our officers will be reprimanded and brought to justice. This incident stemmed from misinformation, speculation and rumours on social media in February last year that was robustly investigated and no further action was taken against anyone who was involved.

“The violence outside the hotel resulted in £83,686 of damage to our vehicles and facilities which could have been used to protect our residents. Officers were bombarded with various missiles and dispersal zones were put in place in the aftermath of the disorder to prevent any further incidents.

“It is completely unacceptable to intimidate and target particular communities in Knowsley in this appalling manner and those who did caused fear and distress to those residents inside the hotel and to the local community. We will always respect the right to protest when these are peaceful, but such violence that endangered our officers and others will not be tolerated.

“In this case, social media speculation, misinformation and rumour can and does cause serious violence in our community. Their sentencing sends a clear message of zero tolerance towards this kind of behaviour within our communities and regions across Merseyside.”

Liverpool Echo

Nine defendants will appear back before Liverpool Crown Court on Monday to learn their sentencing fate

A man told police officers they have a “s*** firm” while threatening to burn down a hotel housing asylum seekers.

Footage of Christopher Shelley, 45, was played today in Liverpool Crown Court where he appeared to be sentenced for violent disorder following the ugly scenes outside the Kirkby hotel on February 10 last year. The initially peaceful protest against the housing of asylum seekers in the hotel turned violent when a crowd of between 250 and 300 people threw bricks and bottles at police officers and set fire to a police vehicle.

Shelley was among nine defendants due to be sentenced for their roles in the violent disorder. However, Shelley failed to appear to court today, Friday, March 15 with presiding judge Denis Watson KC issuing a bench warrant for his arrest. However, the sentencing, which is due to conclude on Monday, March 18 continued in the absence of Shelley.

Martyn Walsh, prosecuting, showed the court video footage of Shelley shouting “‘we are going to burn that hotel to the ground and smash their f***ing heads in”. Shelley continued: “My name is Chris Shelley and I don’t give a f***, lets f***ing have it, fucking d********, s***house c****. Let’s f***ing have it, I’ve been waiting 20 years for this, rapist b******”.”

Shelley was then heard shouting to the police: “First person you grab, it’s going off. We’re waiting for yous, I’ll take you out. Yous have a s*** firm. That dog, let it off, I’ll kick its head in. ISIS rapists, I’ll do 20 years in Walton, I’m not arsed.”

Mr Walsh said that Merseyside Police had initially received reports “which stated that members of the English Defence League were going to attend” the hotel on Ribblers Lane, which was “housing refugees and immigrants”.

The initially peaceful protests turned violent when a line of police officers were forced back when members of the crowd threw glass bottles which resulted in a riot van being left unguarded. Mr Walsh said: “The police were faced with hostility and violence while the crowd forced its way through a cordon. The police then fell back into a stronger, more enforced cordon.

“Because of the escalating crowds and level of violence, they put on their protective gear. At this point in the evening, officers were bombarded with various missiles, for example rocks and bottles. There was an officer injured by a concrete slab. The crown would submit that fireworks were being directed towards the police.”

Mr Walsh said very few arrests were made on the night. He said: “A number of five police vehicles were damaged over the course of the evening. The police carrier was completely burnt out. The costs to repair were £83,686. The disorder continued and fireworks were aimed at officers. Several officers were injured and one required hospital treatment.”

Mr Walsh said “a majority of the evidence” against those who were put before the courts came from footage obtained by a police drone, body worn camera footage of the PCs who attended the scene and “evidence gathering officers” who were “tasked with recording events”.

Four men – Thomas Mills, 47, Brian McPadden, 61, Paul Lafferty, 42, Jonjo O’Donoghue, 21 – were found guilty of violent disorder by a jury in January this year for their roles in the incident. Shelley, Liam Jones, 25, Harry Boynton, 20, John Tippler, 59, and Warren Cullen, 21 had already pleaded guilty to the same charge. Jones and Shelley pleaded guilty at Liverpool Crown Court in July 2023, while the other three men pleaded guilty at magistrates’ court at an earlier date.

Today’s sentencing heard Cullen could be clearly seen throwing missiles at police officers, while “aggressive” Tippler chanted “send the f****** back” and pushed at the police cordon. Boynton was seen “striking the windscreen of a police vehicle” with a metal pole stolen from officers, while Jones threw “an object” at officers after he was pushed.

Footage of McPadden showed him shouting “we protect our own, you are not from Kirkby, these are t****. They’re hiding behind the f***ing curtains watching us now. Cheeky b*******” towards the police and the asylum seekers inside the hotel. Mills climbed onto the burnt out police vehicle holding a banner which said “let’s shout get them out”.

Lafferty was heard shouting at police officers “you f***ng bullies, you are provoking the violence” and O’Donoghue was seen lighting fireworks and firing them towards officers.

All of the defendants were told they could face “immediate custody” and were remanded in custody over the weekend. The representation of all the defendants offered mitigation for their clients, except Shelley, whose mitigation will be presented to the court on Monday morning.

Mills, of Park Brow Drive, Kirkby; Lafferty, of Quarry Green, Kirkby; McPadden, of Britonside Avenue, Kirkby; O’Donoghue, of Stanley Street, Liverpool city centre; Tippler, of St Kevin’s Drive, Northwood; Shelley, of Delfby Crescent, Southdene; Cullen, of James Holt Avenue, Kirkby; Boynton, of Sherdley Walk, Kirkby and Liam Jones, of Birkin Close, Kirkby will learn their fate on Monday morning at Liverpool Crown Court.

Liverpool Echo

Sentencing Harry Parris to two years and nine months in prison, the judge said the defendant had become isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic and had become exposed to extremist views online.

Harry Parris pleaded guilty to four offences of encouraging terrorism. Pic: Counter Terrorism Policing South East/PA

Harry Parris, 22, had pleaded guilty to four offences of encouraging terrorism on the basis he was “reckless” in relation to posts and videos posted online between 2019 and 2021.

He also admitted six offences of having documents likely to be useful to a person preparing acts of terrorism.

Sentencing Parris to two years and nine months at Winchester Crown Court, Judge Jane Miller KC said the defendant, who had been diagnosed with ADHD, had become isolated during the COVID-19 pandemic and had become exposed to extremist views online.

Judge Miller said he had joined an “extreme right-wing organisation actively promoting a violent national socialist ideology including political terror and in particular the murder of Jewish people but also other non-white groups and politicians”.

She added he was a member of other Telegram groups “dedicated to promoting neo-Nazi content and sharing incitements to violence”.

Parris, of Bittaford, near Plymouth in Devon, had also become the administrator of a Telegram channel which Judge Miller said included posts that were “explicitly racist and some of which could be seen as a direct call for action”.

She added: “You insulted many sections of society including Jews, Christians, black people, Africans, gypsies, and those from east Asia.

“You glorified the Nazis suggesting all Jews and gypsies should be exterminated.”

Parris also posted an image of himself doing the Nazi salute and posted “deeply offensive videos,” the court heard.

The defendant was sentenced to serve a further year on licence at the completion of his custodial sentence.

Sky News

A far-right activist has been jailed after a judge branded him an “antisemite” with “Nazi sympathies”.

Samuel Melia, 34, was found guilty earlier this year of inciting racial hatred after a series of “stickering” incidents between 2019 and 2021.

Melia, from Pudsey in West Yorkshire, was sentenced to two years in prison at Leeds Crown Court on Friday.

Judge Tom Bayliss KC said: “The publication of this kind of material is corrosive to our society.”

Melia was the head of the Telegram Messenger group Hundred Handers, a social media channel that generated racist and anti-immigration stickers that were printed off and displayed in public places.

The stickers contained “ethnic slurs” about minority communities which displayed a “deep-seated antipathy to those groups”, the court heard.

‘Nationalistic and vitriolic’

The court also heard Melia had an “obsessive interest” in Sir Oswald Mosley, who founded the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s, and that he was attempting to “peddle the same antisemitism”.

Melia had a poster of Hitler in his garage, a book by Mosley in his bedroom and it was found that much of the material Hundred Handers published was “xenophobic, nationalistic and vitriolic”.

Judge Bayliss said: “For the first time since the 1930s, a real risk of gross, potentially violent, antisemitism is becoming normalised on our streets.

“It has been used before to tear at the heart of Western democracy.

“It must not be allowed to do so again.”

After police arrested Melia in April 2021, they searched his house and found a label printer and stickers with anti-immigration messages.

The court previously heard the Hundred Handers Telegram channel had more than 3,500 subscribers and an anti-immigration sticker was even placed on the door of an MP’s constituency office.

It was also said that media reports of the “stickering” linked to the group “extended from Cornwall to Northern Ireland”.

‘You are an antisemite’

The judge told Melia: “I am quite sure that your mindset is that of a racist and a white supremacist.

“You hold Nazi sympathies and you are an antisemite.”

Melia, who was also found guilty of encouraging racially-aggravated criminal damage, was sentenced to two years for each charge to run concurrently.

He must serve up to half his sentence in custody before being released on licence.

Det Ch Sup James Dunkerley, head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “Those that seek to bring hatred to our communities through actions such as stickering will be identified and brought to justice.”

BBC News

.A man who “wanted to kill 50 people” in a bombing campaign has been found guilty of terrorism offences after a trial.

Jacob Graham, now 20, was cleared of planning a terrorist attack but convicted of seven other offences, including preparing an act of terrorism and disseminating terrorist material.

Graham, from Norris Green, Liverpool, acquired and hid materials to make explosive substances, the court heard.

He will be sentenced on March 18.

‘Hatred and contempt’

Annabel Darlow, KC, prosecuting, had said Graham was motivated by a “hatred and contempt” for government.

During the trial, jurors were shown some of the lengthy 105 home videos that Graham recorded himself in his bedroom.

The court was also told he intended to assist another with the construction of a document entitled “Freedom Encyclopedia”.

That was a manual filled with instructions on how to build weapons, including shotguns, nail bombs, explosives including gunpowder and plastic explosive; ignition devices and instructions on how to evade the police.

The manifesto described itself a written for “misfits, social nobodies, anarchists and terrorists” and the prosecution argued he wanted to assist others in committing their own acts of terrorism.

The court also heard how Graham had sent documents on construction of explosives and a home-made submachine gun to online contacts.

Ms Darlow, opening the case for the prosecution, had told the jury: “Mr Graham expressed the aim of killing and injuring at least 50 people and said that any more than this number would be ‘a blessing’.”

The court heard that the defendant began work on a document in May 2022, setting out his plans to prepare for a bombing campaign, and said he would end his violence by carrying out a shooting.

He claimed he wanted to finish what Theodore Kaczynski, the notorious US terrorist known as the “Unabomber”, had started, the court was told.

Graham was arrested on 26 May, 2023, at his family home where police found chemicals capable of being used as ingredients for explosives.

Counter Terrorism officers found a 3D printer, which the prosecution said could be used to print parts of home-made firearms.

Police also found an “online arsenal” of information on his computer devices, containing information on the manufacture of deadly weapons and explosives, many of which could be made at home, with basic skills, using materials or ingredients that could be got hold of relatively easily.

Graham had also carried out “experiments” on low explosive devices, some of which he filmed.

Six weeks before his arrest, he packed a stash of chemicals and buried them in woodland near the coast at Formby, the jury was told.

Analysis of his online history found Graham, behind the moniker “Destro” or “Destro the Destroyer”, had been in contact with other “like-minded” individuals, sending manuals and electronic books and sharing tips on guns, bombs and poisons.

The jury heard that although he talked about bombing Liverpool, he had not finalised his plans or selected a specific target.

He was found of guilty of engaging in conduct in preparation for a terrorist act, four counts of possessing terrorist material, and two of disseminating or circulating a terrorist publication.

Graham was remanded in custody ahead of sentence.

Superintendent Andy Meeks, of Counter Terrorism Policing North West, said: “Online extremism is a growing threat and this case sadly is a prime example; where a young man from Merseyside has become radicalised online, without ever having left his bedroom.”

BBC News

Thomas Allan has strong links to the Hendon area of Sunderland

Police have issued an appeal to locate a wanted criminal who is wanted on prison recall.

Thomas Allan, 38, is understood to be actively evading arrest, with extensive searches to locate him ongoing across the North East. Allan, who also goes by the name Tommy, has strong links to the Hendon area of Sunderland.

Officers from Northumbria Police have issued an appeal today (Thursday, February 22) asking for the public’s help to trace him. They have urged anyone with information to come forward.

The police force issued a reminder to the public that harbouring a wanted person is an offence and those involved could face prosecution. They also asked that Allan, or anyone who believes they have seen him, contact police as soon as possible by using the ‘Report’ tool of the Northumbria Police website or by calling 101, quoting reference 0438791.

Members of the public can also report information anonymously via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

Chronicle Live

Ryan Ferguson was detained by security staff after shouting the racist abuse

CCTV shows the moment a football player was racially abused by a supporter – who has now been jailed.

Ryan Ferguson, 24, shouted racial abuse at Forest Green Rovers winger Jordon Garrick during a match last year. Ferguson, a Tranmere Rovers fan who was subject to a five year football banning order, attended the New Lawn ground after receiving a complimentary ticket.

Around 35 minutes into the first half of the game, Forest Green Rovers were awarded a throw in by the West Stand corner of the pitch. The referee came over to speak to the players and there was a moment of silence and Ferguson moved close to the edge of the pitch and shouted racial abuse.

The CCTV video showed Ferguson shouting “fill that f****** **** in” and was quickly led away by a security guard while onlookers watched on. The abuse was heard by a number of players on the pitch who reacted – as well as by club security personnel and others in the stand.

Ferguson was detained by club security and later handed over to police officers outside of the ground. Lout Ryan, of Barberry Crescent, Netherton, appeared at Gloucester Crown Court for sentencing.

It followed a previous guilty plea to racially aggravated public order, being a football spectator failing to comply with a football banning order under the Football Spectators Act 1989 and obstructing a constable in the execution of their duty.

The offences took place during a Forest Green Rovers match against Fleetwood Town at The New Lawn in Nailsworth on the evening of Tuesday, April 18 last year. When questioned by officers, he gave them incorrect details and would not confirm his identity – it was only after arrest that he gave the correct details.

In a written victim impact statement Jordon Garrick said: “Forest Green Rovers Football Club and the Bolt New Lawn Stadium is my place of work, when I am on the pitch as a player, I am at work. I understand there will always be a crowd in the stands watching me and my teammates play.

“I am aware that fans will vocally express their enjoyment or disappointment at a football match, but I should never have to be subjected to racially offensive verbal abuse while at work.

“I find this type of abuse grossly offensive. I was shocked at the disgusting language used against me, these are words that no-one should ever hear.”

Ferguson, who has already been convicted for breaching a football banning order seven times and has past convictions for racially aggravated public order offences, was sentenced to nine months in prison.

He also received a further football banning order imposed for six years with the following conditions:

On the day of a regulated football match, not to come with 500 metres of any designated football stadium, where such a match is being held, during the period starting four hours before kick-off and finishing four hours after the game has concluded.

Not to travel to any town or city where Tranmere Rovers are playing a regulated football match during the period starting four hours before kick-off and finishing four hours after the game has concluded.

On the day of a regulated football match where Tranmere Rovers are playing not to come within one mile of the designated football stadium where they are playing during the period starting four hours before kick-off and finishing four hours after the game has concluded.

Not to travel to, enter or be present within the boundaries of any town or city where England are playing an international football match during the period starting four hours before kick-off and finishing four hours after the game has concluded.

The subject of the football banning order, who currently possesses a valid British passport, must inform, in writing, the HM Passport Office, whenever they are unable to surrender their passport as required by the enforcing authority (within the terms of the order) due to the document being unavailable (lost or stolen).

Following sentencing PC Adrian Tuft, a dedicated Football Officer at Gloucestershire Constabulary said: “Ferguson is a persistent football offender, this is not the first time that he has breached his banning order.

“On this occasion Ferguson breached his order using horrendous racial abuse which was clearly heard by the intended victim and a number of his teammates. Clearly Ferguson cannot be trusted inside a football ground or its immediate vicinity on a match day.

“We would encourage all football supporters to report any racial, homophobic or other hateful abuse to the club, to The FA, Kick It Out, or the police. As a Force we treat these reports with the utmost seriousness and will work closely with the clubs, the FA and the UK Football Policing Unit to identify any suspects and prosecute them to the full extent of the law.”

Ryan Ferguson has been jailed for nine months

Chief Constable Mark Roberts, NPCC Lead for Football Policing, said: “Racist abuse will not be tolerated in football stadiums, and I’m pleased the court has recognised the seriousness of these offences and issued a prison sentence in this case.

“We can see from Jordon Garrick’s statement the impact this abuse has had on him. No-one should ever have to experience this, not least at their place of work. Breaching a football banning order is also a serious offence, and I’m pleased to see that a further six-year order has been issued in this case.

“We collectively need to make football a safe environment for the overwhelming majority of fans want to enjoy the game, and anyone who commits a criminal offence either outside or inside a football ground can expect to face the consequences of their actions.”

A spokesperson for Forest Green Rovers added: “Forest Green Rovers FC, along with every other football club, deplore the use of racist abuse and language which has no place in our game or our society. Nobody should be subjected to the racist abuse that our player Jordon Garrick was back in April and we welcome the sentencing administered by the court.

“We sincerely hope that this sends a strong message to the individual involved in this case and those persons that share a similar view that this behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.”

Anyone who sees, reads or hears offensive, racist, or homophobic language at a football game is asked to report it to a steward or police officer. Alternatively you can report this online here.

Liverpool Echo